Choosing Nimer could help Republicans’ chances against Democratic State Sen. Ben McAdams. The person who previously held McAdams’ seat was the only openly gay member of the Senate, although Scott McCoy was also a Democrat.

A 60-year-old accountant, Nimer, said he offers voters “a voice at the Republican table” in a GOP-dominated Legislature. He did not, however, take issue with the way the district has been represented.

“As good as Sen. McCoy was and Sen. McAdams is, being Democrats, they don’t have as much influence as a Republican would have,” Nimer said.

Nimer has been openly gay for 15 years, but said it’s not clear whether that will give him an edge with voters.

“Definitely, I’ll have that card to play, if you will,” Nimer said. “Luckily, it’s a fairly liberal district.”